What to look for in a recruiter

07 Feb What to look for in a recruiter

The right recruiter can be your greatest ally in the job hunting process.

They can lead you towards postings you might not have discovered on your own, help negotiate important job details with a prospective new employer, show resources for brushing up on some key skills, help with interview preparations, and even motivate you when you’re feeling hopeless.

In other words, a recruiter can be a life-line for a job seeker.

When it comes to working with a recruiter, however, it’s important to note that they’re not all created equal.

Like any professional you work with, some are more qualified than others, and some are simply a better fit for you.

If you think that working with a recruiter to find your next job is the right move for you, pay attention to these characteristics to look for to help you find someone who is a perfect partner for you.

Awesome communication skills

A recruiter spends the majority of their day talking to either employers or job seekers, so they’d better be excellent communicators.

In today’s job-seeking landscape, strong communication skills for recruiters means being able to negotiate contracts with employers, arrange interview appointments, convey your talents to companies that may want to hire you, and keep you in the loop about your status when you’re in the running for a coveted job.

Modern recruiters should employ a wide range of communication tools, like text messages, online messaging, and social media to help them find those hot jobs that you’re after and help you nail one down.

What to Look For: Pay attention to how easy they were to talk to when you first contacted them and use that experience as a gauge for how they’ll communicate if you decide to work together.

Efficiency

To be successful, a recruiter needs to be on their toes.

Today’s job market is competitive and the best jobs are snapped up in the blink of an eye.

A good recruiter needs to show their savviness when it comes to being resourceful and showing a willingness to hustle.

They should be a job-placement dynamo, navigating both the job-seeker and employer sides of their jobs quickly and effectively, ensuring that you’re at the front of the line for the next killer opportunity that comes your way.

What to Look For: Look at how quickly they got back to you after your first contact. Were you setting up a meeting later that day or did it take them four days to even return your call?

Authenticity

The best recruiter for you will ultimately be someone who you are comfortable with.

When you find someone that you really connect with, it paves the way for open and honest conversations and makes you feel like they have a genuine interest in helping you find the best opportunity for your future.

Someone with a “real” personality is easier to work with and form a good working relationship with than someone who comes across as being fake or inauthentic.

What to Look For: Trust your gut. How did you feel the first time you spoke to your prospective recruiter? Take the lead from your intuition when looking for someone who you can really connect with.

There is no one single determining factor that makes someone a “good” or “bad” recruiter.

Assuming they have the right employer connections and professional qualifications, choose the recruiter that makes you feel the most inspired and excited about your job search ahead.